News & Events

November/December 2018ARTICLE: (Green Home Builder) Zero Net Energy is at the Heart of New Clovis Community.
De Young RidgeView is a new community located in northern Clovis that was both built and developed by De Young Properties in partnership with ConSol. Aside from being built in a highly desirable location, this community is also helping the homebuilding industry move towards a green future.

November 27, 2018ARTICLE: (Builder Online) Fresno State Hosts Builders, Officials, and Urban Planners at A Path to Zero Net Energy Symposium.
Fresno State University’s A Path to Zero Net Energy Symposium included Commissioner Andrew McAllister, Robert Raymer with CBIA, Brandon De Young with De Young Properties, and Garth Torvestad who explained ConSol’s partnership with De Young Properties which included research studies of the builder’s two single-family ZNE subdivisions in Clovis, California.

October 5, 2018ARTICLE: (The Fresno Bee) New Energy-Efficient Home Tract in North Clovis is Largest of Its Kind in California.
DeYoung Homes, the CA Energy Commission, and ConSol have partnered to design and build the largest ZNE community in CA. These homes produce as much clean energy as the homeowner can use in a year with the use of solar, electric heat pumps, reflective roof tiles, high-efficiency HVAC and other energy saving features.

October 2, 2018ARTICLE: (Builder Online) Zero Energy Carries Small--and Getting Smaller--Price to Pay. But Who Will Pay It?
A home buyer who buys a new home today that renewably produces as much energy as it uses can save tens of thousands of dollars--all in--on the cost of owning and operating that home.

September 5, 2018ARTICLE: (Green Home Builder) De Young Properties & ConSol Announce Largest Single-Family Zero Net Energy Community in California.
De Young Properties and energy consulting company ConSol jointly announce De Young RidgeView, the largest grid-connected zero net energy (ZNE) single-family community to be developed in California. De Young RidgeView, located in the Central California community of Clovis, will include 58 zero net energy homes designed with the potential to produce as much clean energy as they consume in a year.

June 2018ARTICLE: (Green Home Builder) The ABC Green Home 4.0 Breaks Ground and Begins Construction.
As a key partner in the ABC solar demonstration home, the ConSol teams was tasked with ensuring that the design of the home achieved it’s energy goals of net-zero.

January/February 2018ARTICLE: (Green Home Builder) Observing Possible Changes Ahead For the Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards
California’s residential ZNE by 2020 mandate was and continues to be a goal rather than a requirement for new construction, as reflected in the proposed changes to the code.

November 2017ARTICLE: (Builder and Developer) High Performance Envelopes – The Starting Point for ZNE Homes
Title 24 allows a lot of flexibility on the measures that can be used to achieve both High-Performance Attics and Walls (HPA/HPW), but each require different strategies.

July 28, 2017ARTICLE: (Comstock Magazine) Hidden Value in Walls and Attics
The California Energy Commission-sponsored Workforce Instruction for Standards and Efficiency program is working with contractors and builders to train on new construction practices to “tighten” the envelope of the building by sealing any penetrations or gaps in the framing, increasing the insulation in exterior walls and attics. This helps keep homes at comfortable temperatures, especially during scorching summer days in the Central Valley.

July 26, 2017PRESS RELEASE: Homebuilders Get WISE at PCBC Conference
On June 27–29 experts from the Workforce Instruction for Standards and Efficiency (WISE) program presented a wide array of energy saving materials and building techniques at the PCBC conference. Billed as “The Art, Science + Business of Housing,” the annual event attracts visitors from the U.S., Canada, Mexico and more than 25 other countries. This year’s event hosted over 10,000 attendees and 350 exhibits.

July 9, 2017ARTICLE: (Builder Magazine) The 2017 Gold Nugget Award Winners
On June 29, the Gold Nugget Awards program conferred honors to its 2017 winners at a gala celebration in San Diego, Calif. Now in its 54th year, the program recognizes projects that improve communities through exceptional concepts in design, planning and development. ABC Green Home 3.0 wins Best Zero Energy Home Design.

June 30, 2017ARTICLE: (Green Home Builder) ABC Green Home 3.0 Wins Gold Nugget
ABC Green Home 3.0 located in Fullerton, California built by Habitat for Humanity Orange County, has won the Gold Nugget award for Green Home Design Excellence at Pacific Coast Builders Conference in San Diego, Calif.

May 3, 2017ARTICLE: (Replacement Contractor) Four Ways California's New Energy Code Will Affect Contractors Nationwide
“The energy code in California is driving new products to come into the market,” affirmed Mike Hodgson, chair of the CA Building Industry Association’s Energy and Codes Subcommittee and President of ConSol, an energy consulting company that works with high production builders and contractors.

April 2017ARTICLE: (Green Home Builder) The Best Green Home Construction
The ABC Green Home 3.0, which follow essential energy efficiency program and cutting-edge architectural design, is set for a grand opening in April. “With the Energy Design Rating (EDR) value of the proposed PV on the project at 47.9, the final EDR of the proposed design comes out at -0.6, which is extremely efficient - the design produces more than it takes in.” – John Morton, ConSol Senior Project Manager

January 16, 2017ARTICLE: (The Sun) Sustainable Housing Project Deserves Quick Approvals
The $12.7 billion “Net Zero Newhall” project, which FivePoint Chairman and CEO Emile Haddad refers to as “the first Tesla community,” will consist of up to 21,500 homes (including more than 2,000 affordable units) and 11.5 million square feet of commercial space expected to create 60,000 permanent jobs. Every home will have solar panels and an electric vehicle charging station, and privately-funded transit subsidies will be available to those in affordable housing.

December, 2016ARTICLE: (Building Safety Journal Online) 2016 California Code Symposium
The Building Industry Association of Central California and the Yosemite Chapter of the International Code Council hosted a 2016 California Code Symposium on December 1st in the City of Modesto to provide an introduction to the 2016 California Building Code becoming effective January 1, 2017. Megan Cordes, ConSol Project Manager, presented an overview of the 2016 California Energy Code changes. This event drew more than 50 interested parties and provided networking opportunities as well as a chance to get to know the local Building Official and development review staff members.

November 30, 2016VIDEO: (Green Home Builder) John Morton, ConSol Senior Project Manager discusses ConSol’s role as the Zero Net Energy (ZNE) consultant for the ABC Green Home 3.0. Morton explains the importance of incorporating building envelope energy efficiency features to aid in the goal of a ZNE home.

October 7, 2016ARTICLE: (Window Film Magazine) Going Green
Mike Hodgson, founder of energy consulting firm ConSol and presenter at the 2016 International Window Film Conference discussed how the window film industry can capitalize on the green movement.

September 13, 2016ARTICLE: (Green Home Builder) The GHB Interview with John Morton, Senior Project Manager with ConSol.Morton is Senior Project Manager with ConSol where he works with homebuilders to train their staff and trade partners to build high performance walls and attics. He joins us this month to update us on the latest report on the energy calculations for the ABC Green Home 3.0.

June 1, 2016ConSol Hires Consulting Department Operations ManagerJanet Ferrari, ConSol Consulting Department Operations Manager, has worked in the renewable energy industry since 2009; performing energy use analysis, evaluating energy efficiency, designing renewable energy systems, and managing the installation of these systems. She also has over 2 decades of experience in project management, across a variety of other industries. Throughout her career, she has focused on economic analysis, budgeting and estimating job costs and scope of work, tracking and actualization of costs during project implementation, keeping deliverables on track, and client collaboration, bringing projects all the way to successful completion. She brings a wealth of knowledge in the realm of financing. She is a Certified Energy Manager who earned a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from UCLA.

March 1, 2016ConSol Adds Two New Project Managers to StaffDan Krekelberg, ConSol Program Manager, has a strong background in program implementation for land, energy and infrastructure development. Dan previously worked for five years at the U.S. Bureau of Land Management as a realty specialist, tasked with coordinating entitlements for utility-scale renewable energy projects, major rights-of-way and land acquisitions. Dan has an MS in Urban Management and Development from Erasmus University Rotterdam and a BA in Government from California State University, Sacramento.

Jeremy Silva, ConSol Program Manager has worked in the energy consulting field since 2007. He has worked with government agencies, utilities, and other industry stakeholders to meet objectives of energy efficiency projects and programs. Jeremy is a certified HERS I, Whole House Energy Rater, Multifamily Building Analyst Professional with BPI and a Residential Certified Energy Analyst with CABEC. Jeremy received a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State University of Sacramento.

July 2015ARTICLE: Builder and Developer Magazine interview with Mike Hodgson, ConSol President discussing energy efficient and zero net energy building for residential home builders including key incentives and the future of green building on a nationwide scale.

April 21, 2014ARTICLE: Mike Hodgson, President of ConSol – a California-based energy and sustainable solutions consulting firm – explained upgraded standards and programs to AAMA Western Region Spring Summit attendees on behalf of the California Building Industry Association (CBIA) where he chairs the energy committee.

August 21, 2018EVENT: National Association of Realtors Sustainability Summit
The Sustainability Summit is event that brings industry leaders to address short and long-term sustainability goals. ConSol Principal, Mike Hodgson will present on the topic of Market Forces Driving Energy & Sustainability Solutions.

August 15, 2018EVENT: CABEC Brown Bag: Quality Insulation Installation – What to expect in 2020
Rob Starr from ConSol will be presenting on Quality Installation of Insulation (QII) and the impact on residential home building. Rob will cover the basics of QII, the history, how the 2019 code compares to 2016 and the information needed to thoughtfully plan for Jan 1, 2020.

January-December, 2018EVENTS:High Performance Building Training & Certification
High Performance Attic (HPA) and High Performance Wall (HPW) construction practices are prescriptive requirements in California’s 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards. The WISE program is designed to help accelerate learning and implementation of high performance building by training workers and providing a platform for the exchange of best practices and solutions from industry experts. Topics include:

May 2017EVENT: WISE 2017 Forums
High Performance Walls and Attics are requirements in California’s 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, creating challenges for the state’s homebuilding industry.
Funded by the California Energy Commission’s Electric Program Incentive Charge (EPIC) Program, the Workforce Instruction for Standards and Efficiency (WISE) is a training and education program designed to support the transition of California’s new residential buildings towards High Performance Attic (HPA) and High Performance Wall (HPW) construction practices.
Registration is FREE - Presenters will include product manufacturers, energy consultants, utilities and representatives from the California Energy Commission. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided.
Builders and installation contractors are invited to come learn about different products and techniques that can be used to comply with California’s current Title 24 standards, including information on installation, jobsite training opportunities and advanced home design.

December 9, 2016EVENT: Energy Code ACE T24 Residential Overview
The 2016 Title 24 Building Energy Standards will be more stringent than prior versions as we move closer to ZNE. The new standards are intended to reduce peak energy consumption and slow the growth in demand for electricity and natural gas in California. Martyn Dodd will summarize the new and revised requirements in the 2016 standards for residential buildings and direct participants to informational and training resources that provide more in-depth Title 24 information. Architects, engineers, lighting designers, energy consultants, contractors, and building department staff should find this training of interest and directly applicable to their work. Participants will benefit if they have some background on California’s Title 24 Building Energy Standards.

November 8, 2016EVENT: 2016 Title 24 Update
Connect with code experts, energy consultants, and product manufacturers for solutions to comply with 2016 energy standards. Presented by John Morton and Jerimiah Ellis.

November 8, 2016EVENT: SMUD 2016 Title 24 Changes Overview
Martyn Dodd of EnergySoft, will discuss residential and non-residential building envelope, lighting and mechanical requirements affecting residential, commercial and high rise-residential new construction under California’s 2016 Title-24 Energy Efficiency Standards scheduled to take effect January 1, 2017. Attend this program to learn how the latest version of the Standards will affect building design in your commercial and residential new construction projects. Mr. Dodd will highlight aspects of the Standards that are new for the 2016 implementation. Changes for the 2016 Standards cover all areas of the code so this will be an important introduction for all disciplines. AIA LU/HSW credits available.

November 1, 2016EVENT: Advanced Building Design for 2016
On January 1, 2017, the 2016 building code will go into effect and bring new, more energy efficient options for single and multifamily buildings. The California Advanced Homes, Master Builder, and WISE programs provide technical assistance and financial incentives to support the adoption of advanced building techniques like high performance walls and high performance attics. This lunch and learn session will provide ample opportunity for builders, architects, contractors, developers, and energy consultants to meet with program representatives to discuss the best approaches for high performance walls and high performance attics, and preview the changes coming to the 2017 California Advanced Homes Program. The session will also include information on SDG&E’s Power Your Drive program, which is aiming to install 3,500 electric vehicle charging stations at apartments, condos, and workplaces throughout SDG&E service territory. Attendees will learn how to take advantage of up to $30,000 in new project incentives.

October 6, 2016EVENT: ConSol President Mike Hodgson to discuss Energy Efficiency and Green Movement Drivers at The International Window Film Conference held in San Antonio, TX. Lower energy costs or green building are used to justify the purchase of the other desired benefits. This informative presentation is led by an energy efficiency expert who is personally involved in the building industry and environmental programs. He will explain why and how window film use fits into many of the current and coming programs from utilities, government initiatives, and now even home appraisal and residential mortgage industries. Learn how schools can get 100% funding for film installed on their buildings and the new program that may make mortgages for homes with window film less expensive and easier to get.

September 27, 2016EVENT: ConSol Senior Manager John Morton to present at Leading to Zero Net Energy with Advanced Building Technologies workshop. Morton will speak on Residential Advanced Building Technologies including high performance walls and attics.

September 14, 2016EVENT: Title 24 Stakeholders Meeting – Residential EnvelopeEvent Description: The Statewide Utility Codes and Standards Program is actively supporting the California Energy Commission (CEC) in developing the California Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24). Their joint intent is to achieve significant energy savings through the development of reasonable, responsible, and cost-effective code change proposals for the 2019 code change cycle.

June 25, 2015EVENT: Mike Hodgson, ConSol President presenting ‘Show Me the Money - Incentives For Building Green’ at PCBC, the largest annual home building tradeshow in the Western United States. Learn about the incentives in the market for building above the stringent T-24 energy code. These incentives include utility rebates from the 2015 California Advanced Homes Program; utility technical and financial assistance to build 2016 T-24 proposed High Performance Attics and Walls, solar buy downs from the State’s New Solar Home Program and the $2,000 tax credit for Energy Efficient New Homes (45L). Understanding the incentives, buy-downs and tax credits will allow you to cover much of the cost, build substantially above the energy code and green your homes.